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H.S. girls basketball preview

Amanda Beatty (21) of CVU reacts after Amanda Lougee scores the go-ahead free throw with 1.9 seconds remaining to take a 35-34 lead against Rice in last year's state championship game.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)Buy Photo

Outlook: Medic, back from an ACL injury, is a dangerous outside shooter, Thach can drive and dish and Gulick is a defensive stopper for a BHS team hoping to make waves under first-year coach Safran, who has nearly two decades of basketball coaching experience at the middle school level. "It's a deep team with balance and a lot of size," Safran said. "We're going to hang our hat on a team defense with multiple looks and try to get out and run on teams as much as possible."

Up next: Friday at Colchester

Champlain Valley

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Sadie Otley, left, of CVU and Rice's Sierra Combs, right, are key players for their respective teams this winter. CVU is aiming for a Division I three-peat.(Photo: Free Press file)

Outlook: The Burlington Free Press' two-time "Miss Basketball" Emily Kinneston graduated, as did backcourt mate Kaelyn Kohlasch and several other key players who steered the Redhawks to the second of back-to-back perfect seasons last winter. Is another unblemished campaign or title run in the cards again? "We are not the same type of team, but that doesn't mean we can't be competitive," Utley said. While Otley is still juggling rotations, early results in the Spaulding tournament yield what many expect: CVU remains in the title hunt.

Up next: Friday at Mount Abraham

Colchester

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The Colchester bench cheers during last year's Division I semifinal game against Champlain Valley at Patrick Gym.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Outlook: Earning their second trip to the final four in three years and notching a program-record in wins last winter, the Lakers are faced with rebuilding with a bevy of newcomers. "I have been impressed with our energy and effort so far, and feel like we are taking the right steps toward meeting our goal," Ellis said. Colchester's 0-2 mark in the Spaulding tournament did come with some excitement, however, with Papariello draining a 3-pointer to force overtime against the hosts.

Up next: Friday vs. Burlington

Essex

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Essex's Mychaela Harton (32) drives to the hoop past Mount Mansfield's Vanessa Youngman (5) during a game last season in Essex.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Coach: Shawn Montague (13th season)

Last season: 14-8; lost to Champlain Valley in Division I quarterfinals

Outlook: Losing an inside presence such as four-year standout Kara Sheftic, who's playing at Boston University, will be a challenge for the Hornets to overcome. But the Hornets have a nice batch returning, and they all gained valuable minutes last winter. Toss in three promising freshmen and Essex's position as an annual Metro contender remains unchanged.

Outlook: Losses to graduation and moves place a hint of uncertainty on the Yellowjackets' chances this winter. Reilly and Brouard, the two captains, will be called upon for leadership while Patterson might be the key to the offensive production. "We will see who develops," said Lefebvre, who still thinks the Yellowjackets are contenders to reach Barre Auditorium. "We have a shot at it for sure. It will depend on how much the competition has improved."

Up next: Friday at Enosburg

Mount Mansfield

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Mount Mansfield's Colby Knight (11) drives to the hoop past Essex's Sonja Unica (20) during the girls basketball game last year in Essex.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Outlook: A revolving door of coaches — Derda is the third in four years — hasn't helped the program's stability. But Derda, who has experience at many levels including the college ranks, is determined to revitalize the local girls basketball scene. "I'm not going anywhere," Derda said. "I want to bring some competitiveness back to the program. And what's been missing is a year-round program and I'm trying to implement that but it's not going to happen overnight." As for this season, the Cougars have a nice core returning and put up a strong defensive showing in the season opener against Metro contender Essex.

Up next: Friday at North Country

Rice

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Rice's Carolyn Snell (1) grabs the rebound during a girls basketball game against Champlain Valley last season in South Burlington.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Outlook: Avonda has returned from last winter's late-season ACL tear and Snell and Bolger bring additional leadership, experience and production to a Rice squad that has reached the last four Division I title games. If the Green Knights can adjust without four-year star Hailee Barron leading the way, they should be in the title picture. "We will have to wait and see how it all unfolds," coach Rice said. Sulejmani has emerged as an early force, scoring 19 and 23, respectively, in Rice's first two games.

Up next: Dec. 19 vs. Champlain Valley

South Burlington

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Essex's Erin Murphy (right) pressures South Burlington's Kayla Gilding during a game last season in Essex(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Outlook: Lefebvre is back from injury to assume point-guard duties, Fisher, also a hockey standout, has a high basketball IQ and Gilding's quickness and toughness make her a dynamic presence on both ends of the court. The captain trio forms all of the returning experience for the Rebels, who should exciting to watch with an uptempo style. "This is a fast bunch and that will give us a chance to get up and down the court," Burleigh said. "We will run some different things, some new things."

Up next: Friday at BFA-St. Albans

Winooski

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Winooski's Amanda Nattress shoots against Hazen during a girls basketball game in Winooski last season.(Photo: FREE PRESS FILE)

Outlook: With the freshman Nattress taking over at point, her older sister Amanda can return to her natural position in the frontcourt. The sister duo have a chance to combine on 25-30 points a night, Prim said, but the offense is still built on balance. Winooski played good man-to-man defense in the opening win at Middlebury, too. "We've been working really hard on defense, that will be our strength," Prim said.